What does an increase in magnetic variation imply for flight planning?

An increase in magnetic variation carries significant implications for flight planning because it reflects changes in the Earth's magnetic field relative to true north. As magnetic variation increases, pilots must account for this shift by adjusting their headings to ensure accurate navigation. If the magnetic variation is not properly considered, the aircraft may be on a course that deviates from the intended track, leading to navigation errors. This means that route changes or heading adjustments may be necessary to correct for divergent magnetic guidance. Ensuring that the flight path aligns correctly with true north is crucial for maintaining safety and precision during navigation.